About ERAP
Wyoming received $352 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming households struggling to make rent, internet and/or utility payments and provide housing stability services. The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Governor Gordon signed an Executive Order in February 2021 directing the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to create the administrative infrastructure for the program so that funds could be distributed quickly upon passage of this authorizing legislation. During the 2021 general session, the Wyoming Legislature passed Senate File 118, which authorized DFS to administer the program. Governor Gordon signed the bill into law on April 21.
A multi-agency Steering Committee has helped create a platform that will quickly process household applications and eligible payments. The Steering Committee includes: Department of Family Services, Department of Workforce Services, EnterpriseTechnology Services, Attorney General’s Office, Administration and Information, Budget Office, Governor’s Office, State Auditor’s Office, Wyoming Public Service Commission, Wyoming Business Council and Wyoming Community Development Authority.
ERAP has the potential to help many Wyoming renters. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 23,515 Wyoming renters may be eligible for this financial assistance, spending more than 30% of their income on rent.
Are you struggling to pay your rent or utilities? You are not alone, and it is not your fault. Because of COVID-19, many Wyoming households need a little extra help right now. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides temporary help to cover rent and utility payments for eligible households. Check now to see if your household is eligible for assistance to help pay for rent, utilities, and internet. ERAP also is open to Wyoming households without a current residence that do not have a lease/rental agreement.
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AMOUNT: Wyoming has received $352 million in federal funding for ERAP. This amount was not based on actual need in Wyoming. We expect that the U.S Treasury will reallocate some of Wyoming’s funding this winter. However, we anticipate being able to serve all eligible households who apply even with a reallocation of funding.
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TIMELINE: Currently, ERAP funding is available to eligible households until 2025.
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APPLICATIONS: Applications are now open.
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ELIGIBILITY: The program is open to Wyoming households that meet income eligibility requirements and are struggling to pay rent, internet and/or utility payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP is open to Wyoming households without a current residence that do not have a lease/rental agreement. See below for eligibility requirements.
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WHAT IT COVERS: Eligible households can obtain assistance for unpaid current and future rent, internet and/or utility payments. Unpaid bills must be for services on or after March 13, 2020. The maximum assistance allotment per eligible household is 18 months.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about how ERAP pays landlords, broadband and utility companies on behalf of Wyoming renters who are unable to pay rent, internet and/or utility payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Call 307-359-5772
or email erap@gmail.com
Need Help With Budgeting and Credit of Housing Stabilization services please call for more information.